We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Looking at that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the midst of the Pacific, it’s simple to really feel a bit misplaced. Do you have to go to the one with the energetic volcanoes, the one with the legendary surf breaks, or the one identified for its deep inexperienced valleys?
The reality is, every of Hawaii’s six primary islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Large Island, Lanai, and Molokai, provides a totally totally different expertise. Selecting the correct one is step one to planning a visit you’ll discuss for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve realized what makes each particular. This information is designed to chop by way of the fluff and reply the massive query: “What’s the finest Hawaiian island to go to?”. We’re right here to offer you an sincere breakdown that will help you select the right one to your sort of journey.
Which Is The Finest Island To Go to In Hawaii For You? A Fast Information
Each island has its personal persona. Earlier than we dive deep, here’s a fast breakdown to level you in the correct course.
Oahu is for you if you would like a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and vital U.S. historical past. It’s house to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
Maui is for you if you happen to’re in search of upscale resorts, a legendary street journey on the Street to Hana, and among the finest whale watching on the planet.
Kauai is for you if you happen to crave uncooked pure magnificence. Assume dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and among the most difficult and rewarding hikes within the state.
The Large Island (Hawaii) is for you if you happen to’re in search of journey. It’s the one place to see energetic volcanoes and provides an unbelievable variety of landscapes, from black sand seashores to lush rainforests.
Lanai is for you if you would like a quiet, luxurious escape. With simply a few high-end resorts, it’s the place to get away from all of it in type.
Molokai is for you if you would like an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. It’s the least developed island and provides an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Word on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your luggage, it’s vital to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit in recent times, and we predict it’s for the higher. There’s a giant deal with regenerative tourism, which is all about giving again to the native communities and serving to to guard the unbelievable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means a bit of extra planning is required. Most of the hottest points of interest now require reservations to handle customer numbers. For instance, if you wish to see the views from Diamond Head on Oahu or watch the dawn at Haleakala Nationwide Park on Maui, you will have to e book your time slot upfront.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these stunning areas for future generations. We all the time suggest checking the official park or attraction web sites earlier than you go to see what’s required so that you don’t miss out.
Evaluating the Predominant Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the small print of every of the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve damaged down what we like about each, who we predict it’s for, and a few our favorite locations to remain.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Who This Island Is For
Oahu is for you if you would like a mixture of bustling metropolis vitality, well-known seashores, and simply accessible historic websites. It’s probably the most developed island and the hub of recent Hawaii. As the house of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii might be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually provides the broadest vary of lodging, together with extra budget-friendly choices in comparison with different islands.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Oahu
Past the town, Oahu boasts an unbelievable variety of climbing trails for all ability ranges, from simple coastal walks to strenuous mountain ridges.
Pay Respects at Pearl Harbor: A go to to the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial is a transferring and important expertise. It’s a strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we predict it’s one of the crucial vital websites to see in your complete state.
Hike Diamond Head: This is likely one of the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a cause. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unbelievable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply keep in mind to e book your spot upfront.
Discover the North Shore: Escape the vitality of Honolulu and drive as much as the legendary North Shore. Within the winter, you’ll be able to watch skilled surfers sort out among the largest waves on the planet. In the summertime, the water is calmer, and the vibe is pure, laid-back surf city.
Expertise Waikiki Seaside: Sure, it’s busy, however Waikiki is a spectacle it’s a must to see not less than as soon as. It’s an excellent place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to only soak within the scene.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort appears like a peaceful oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We preferred the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a superb place to loosen up. It’s a high-end alternative that delivers on service and elegance.
For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seaside Membership In case you are on a price range or travelling solo, this can be a strong alternative. It’s not fancy, however the location is incredible, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seashore. It’s a very good place to satisfy different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you if you happen to’re in search of a mixture of luxurious, epic street journeys, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the ‘finest island’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved fame for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved fame for love and world-class resorts, Maui can be incredible for households, with loads of actions to maintain each youngsters and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
Drive the Street to Hana: This is likely one of the finest street journeys on the planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, by way of dense bamboo forests, and round hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and swap drivers usually. Our full information to The Street To Hana is right here to assist.
Watch the Dawn at Haleakala: Driving to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano to observe the dawn from 10,023 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required nicely upfront, however it’s completely definitely worth the early begin.
Go Whale Watching: From December to Might, greater than 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui’s heat waters. Taking a ship tour to see them is a should. We discovered the perfect time to go is between January and March when sightings are virtually assured. Seeing an enormous humpback breach the water is one thing you’ll always remember.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea In case you are seeking to splurge, this is likely one of the finest resorts on the island. Situated within the upscale Wailea space, the service is top-notch, and the beachfront location with its three swimming swimming pools is difficult to beat.
For a Laid-Again Vibe: Paia Inn For one thing extra boutique and fewer of a mega-resort, we loved the city of Paia on the north shore. Paia Inn is an elegant resort proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an excellent base for exploring the Street to Hana.
We have now a full lodging information for the island of Maui that will help you plan your journey.
Kauai: The Backyard Isle
Who This Island Is For
Kauai is for the adventurers and nature lovers. This island is all about uncooked, dramatic magnificence, and it’s noticeably much less developed than Oahu or Maui. In case your thought of an ideal day entails a difficult hike, discovering a secluded seashore, or simply marvelling at unbelievable surroundings, Kauai is for you.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Kauai
Hike the Kalalau Path: This is likely one of the most well-known and troublesome hikes in america, tracing the cliffs of the legendary Na Pali Coast. You want a allow and loads of expertise, because the 11-mile path is demanding. However for many who are ready, the views are among the finest we’ve ever seen.
Discover Waimea Canyon: Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of purple and inexperienced canyon partitions. You may drive as much as a number of lookouts for incredible views or, if you happen to’re up for it, take one of many climbing trails down into the canyon itself.
Take a Helicopter Tour: A lot of Kauai’s inside is inaccessible by street or path. A helicopter tour is a giant splurge, however it’s the one solution to actually admire the dimensions of the island. You’ll fly over the Na Pali Coast, deep into the crater of Mount Waialeale, and previous numerous waterfalls you’ll be able to’t see some other method.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious on the South Shore: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu Situated on the sunnier south facet of the island, this resort is a superb upscale base. The swimming pools listed here are incredible, and it’s well-positioned for exploring Waimea Canyon and the seashores of Po’ipu.
For a North Shore Base: Hanalei Bay Resort If you wish to be nearer to the luxurious landscapes of the north, this resort provides unbelievable views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It feels a bit extra old-school Hawaii and is the right place to begin for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
If you’d like extra in-depth details about motels on Kauai, try our lodging information for the island.
Large Island of Hawaii: The Journey Isle
Who This Island Is For
Of all of the islands, The Large Island is for the true adventurer who desires to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the dimensions of all the opposite islands mixed, and you’ll find 10 of the world’s 14 local weather zones right here. If you’d like a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seashore and extra about climbing, exploring, and being amazed, that is your island.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on the Large Island
Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary cause to go to the Large Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you’ve the possibility to see energetic, flowing lava, making it a very distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at evening, watching the purple glow of the lava lake pulse in opposition to the darkish sky.
Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds a bit of intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the crucial magical wildlife encounters we’ve ever had. You maintain onto a lighted raft whereas these mild giants, with wingspans as much as 15 ft, glide and somersault proper beneath you.
Discover the Colored Sand Seashores: The Large Island is legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unbelievable to see. It’s also house to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the planet. We beloved seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Volcano Entry (East Aspect): Volcano Inn To take advantage of the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We beloved the Volcano Inn; it’s a comfortable spot tucked into the rainforest, simply minutes from the park entrance. This makes it tremendous simple to drive again to the caldera after darkish to see the lava glow.
For Seashores and Resorts (West Aspect): The Westin Hapuna Seaside Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This resort is located on Hapuna Seaside, which is likely one of the most stunning white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an excellent place to loosen up after just a few days of volcanic journey.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who actually desires to get away from all of it and doesn’t thoughts paying for the privilege. The island is sort of totally privately owned and has a quiet, unique really feel. In case your purpose is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class spherical of golf, and really feel like you’ve a whole island to your self, Lanai is the spot.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Lanai
Lease a 4×4 and Discover: This was our favorite factor to do on the island. As soon as you allow the manicured resorts, Lanai is rugged and wild. We rented a Jeep and spent a day driving the unpaved roads to locations like Keahiakawelo (Backyard of the Gods), a weird and delightful panorama of purple rock formations. It actually felt like an journey on one other planet.
Calm down at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the island’s finest spot for swimming and snorkeling. The seashore is an ideal crescent of white sand. We spent an entire afternoon right here and had been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally an excellent place to identify honu (turtles).
Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an excellent view with no grueling climb, this path is a incredible alternative. It begins close to the 4 Seasons and leads you thru forests of ironwood and pine bushes, ending with a rewarding viewpoint over the neighbouring islands of Maui and Molokai.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Final Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Lanai That is the explanation most individuals come to Lanai. Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, it’s the definition of a five-star escape. The service, the swimming pools, and the views are all flawless. In case you are in search of a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
For Historic Attraction: Lodge Lanai For a style of a special Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your finest wager. It’s rather more low-key and reasonably priced than the resort, providing a quiet, boutique expertise that feels linked to the island’s plantation historical past.
Molokai: The Pleasant Isle
Who This Island Is For
Molokai is for the traveller, not the vacationer. It’s best identified for its quiet, genuine trip expertise, receiving only a fraction of the guests that the opposite islands do. In case you are seeking to disconnect and expertise a slower, extra intentional lifestyle away from any resort scene, that is your house. There aren’t any site visitors lights right here, no big-name motels, and no crowds.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Molokai
Go to Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park: This is likely one of the most transferring and profound locations in Hawaii. Situated on a distant peninsula, this was as soon as a spot of pressured isolation for individuals affected by Hansen’s illness (leprosy). A go to here’s a highly effective historical past lesson, and the panorama is hauntingly stunning. You have to e book a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
Stroll Papohaku Seaside: That is certainly one of Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll probably have all of it to your self. We walked for practically an hour and noticed solely a handful of different individuals. At three miles lengthy, it appears like your personal personal paradise. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Oahu within the distance.
Hike Via Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is likely one of the earliest identified settlements in Hawaii. Our native information shared tales of his ancestors as we walked to the beautiful Mo’oula Falls. It was a deeply significant expertise that gave us a a lot larger appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Advocate Staying
The Predominant Choice: Lodge Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however a captivating, rustic resort with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an excellent, snug base for exploring.
For Self-Catering: Citadel Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen could be a large plus. These oceanfront condo-style flats are excellent for households or anybody who desires the pliability to cook dinner their very own meals.
For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, try our lodging information.
Often Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island provides one thing particular, the “finest” one actually will depend on your journey type. The aim of our information is that will help you match your private preferences—be it journey, leisure, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have finest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a superb alternative. It’s simple to fly into and provides an enormous number of actions. When you’re extra of an adventurer, the Large Island is one other incredible possibility because it offers you a style of all the things: volcanoes, stunning seashores, and plush rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your prime precedence. Are you in search of epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Large Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the prime of this text to match your journey type to an island’s persona.
Most individuals would give the title to Kauai. Its nickname is “the Backyard Isle” for a cause. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are actually unforgettable.
Select Oahu if you would like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant selections, and historic websites. Select Maui if you happen to’re in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable nature experiences.
This alternative comes right down to nature versus metropolis. Select Kauai if you wish to be immersed in uncooked, pure landscapes and spend your days climbing and exploring. Select Oahu if you would like the facilities of a serious metropolis, well-known surf tradition, and a greater variety of eating and leisure.
So, Which Island Will You Select?
Selecting the best Hawaiian island is the primary and most vital step in planning your journey. There actually isn’t any single “finest” one, solely the island that’s finest for you. Whether or not you’re in search of the town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked great thing about Kauai, or the volcanic journey of the Large Island, Hawaii has an island that may really feel prefer it was made for you.
We hope this information has helped you discover your excellent match.